Dodgers’ Adrian Gonzalez Shut Down For Rest Of The Season

May 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth inning of the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Gonzalez has been with the Dodgers for six years now, and has been superb. He has hit a solid .280 during his time in Los Angeles and has 101 home runs. Unfortunately, it looks like he is likely done for 2017.

Dave Roberts told reporters before Wednesday’s game that Adrian Gonzalez woke up with back tightness and will be shut down for the remainder of the season. This also includes the postseason it looks like, unless something drastic happens and he is needed badly.

Roberts said the goal is to get Gonzalez ready for next year, but left open the possibility of re-activating him if needed.

Regardless of what you think about Gonzalez, this is very saddening and disappointing to hear. The 14-year veteran has yet to win a World Series, and in the year that it’s looking like he has the best chance, his back gives out. What is even more disappointing was how well he did at the plate on Tuesday. You can check out the home run in the video below.

On the year, Adrian Gonzalez’s numbers were pretty terrible and inconsistent with his career. He had a slash line of just .242/.287/.355 and hit just three home runs. His injuries caused him to play in just 71 games this year, which is astonishing when you consider the fact that he has played in over 150 games for most of the past 13 seasons.

Could Adrian Gonzalez have a Kirk Gibson moment in 2017? Sure, but it seems unlikely. The Dodgers have so much depth that it’s hard to imagine a scenario or injury where Gonzalez is the first one to get the call. Even if Cody Bellinger goes down *knock on wood*, the Dodgers have guys like Chase Utley, Kyle Farmer, Rob Segedin, Kiké Hernandez, and Logan Forsythe to turn to. All of these players have played at least one game at first base this year.

Good luck and get better soon, Adrian Gonzalez! The team will definitely be missing your presence and leadership both on and off the field.

[button color=”red” size=”big” alignment=”center” rel=”follow” openin=”newwindow” url=”https://www.dodgersnation.com/dodgers-dave-roberts-and-alex-wood-on-his-role-in-the-postseason-kl0292/2017/09/27/”]Dodgers’ Dave Roberts And Alex Wood On His Role In The Postseason[/button]